28 better-for-you recipes that check all the boxes
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and a little something sweet all show up in this list of 28 better-for-you recipes. It’s a full day of ideas that happen to lean a bit healthier. This collection is easy to come back to when you need some new ideas.
Grilled Steak Salad
When you want something fresh but still feels like a real meal, this recipe just makes sense. Juicy steak with crunchy greens, grilled veggies, blue cheese, and a balsamic vinaigrette. Get the recipe: Grilled Steak Salad
Soft Banana Date Cookies
Healthy banana date cookies that are as delicious as they are wholesome! Perfectly sweet and super easy to make, they’re the ultimate treat for any time of day. Get the recipe: Healthy Banana Date Cookies
Greek Lamb Meatballs
These Greek lamb meatballs are packed with mint, garlic, and warm spices like cumin and coriander. Ready in about 35 minutes and freezer-friendly, they work for a weeknight or as part of a Mediterranean spread with tzatziki, pita, and Greek salad. Get the recipe: Greek Lamb Meatballs
Snickers Protein Balls
These no-bake Snickers protein balls lean into that chocolate, peanut, caramel combo. Made with simple pantry ingredients and sweetened with dates and maple syrup, they have that same familiar flavor in a homemade version. Get the recipe: Snickers Protein Balls
Garlic Parmesan Green Beans
These oven roasted garlic parmesan green beans are cheesy, savory, and always worth putting on your plate. They work just as well for a regular night as they do on a holiday table. Get the recipe: Garlic Parmesan Green Beans
Baked Sea Bass With Garlic Butter And Herbs
This oven-baked sea bass is a simple dinner that feels a little fancy. It uses just a handful of ingredients and turns out tender and flavorful every time. Get the recipe: Baked Sea Bass With Garlic Butter And Herbs
How to Cook Brown Rice in Broth
Learn how to cook brown rice in broth for an extra boost of flavor and richness. This method gives you tender, chewy rice that turns out perfectly every time. Get the recipe: How to Cook Brown Rice in Broth
Easy No Bake Brownie Bites
These no bake brownie bites are fudgy, chocolate-packed, and actually kind of healthy. Perfect for when you want a sweet treat that hits all the chocolate vibes. Get the recipe: Easy No Bake Brownie Bites
Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Breasts
Honey mustard chicken is a sweet, tangy, simple dish. Just coat chicken pieces in this tasty sauce and bake until they’re golden brown and juicy. Get the recipe: Honey Mustard Chicken
Healthy Burger Sauce
With this healthy burger sauce recipe, you won’t have to deal with another dry bun. It’s rich, creamy, tangy, and has that classic Big Mac flavor without any sketchy ingredients.
Get the recipe: Healthy Burger Sauce
Broccolini Frittata with Turkey Bacon and Feta
This broccolini frittata with turkey bacon and feta leans into those Mediterranean-style flavors. It’s got protein, plenty of veggies, and a sprinkle of feta cheese. Get the recipe: Broccolini Frittata with Turkey Bacon and Feta
Zucchini Parmesan Crisps
These zucchini Parmesan crisps are a savory, healthy, and low carb recipe. Crunchy and flavorful, they’re perfect on salads, soups, or straight in your mouth. Get the recipe: Zucchini Parmesan Crisps
Greek Orzo Salad
This Greek orzo pasta salad earns recipe requests at every summer gathering. Loaded with crisp cucumbers, grape tomatoes, Kalamata olives, feta, and fresh dill in a red wine vinaigrette, it’s bright, fresh, and holds up well for potlucks, picnics, and cookouts. Get the recipe: Greek Orzo Salad
Copycat Pecan Pie Larabars
This is the only recipe you’ll need for a homemade pecan pie Larabar copycat. It’s a healthy, no-bake snack with zero refined sugar or artificial sweeteners, ready in no time. Get the recipe: Copycat Pecan Pie Larabars
Almond Flour Rolls
These almond flour rolls are perfect alongside soup or salad for lunch, or to upgrade any dinner plate. They’re gluten-free, keto, low-carb, and most importantly, totally delicious. Get the recipe: Almond Flour Rolls
Avocado Cilantro Dressing
This easy homemade avocado cilantro dressing is fresh, creamy, and full of flavor. Vibrant green and silky smooth, it’s ready in under five minutes. Get the recipe: Avocado Cilantro Dressing
Oven Baked Apple Slices
These oven baked apple slices have that apple pie feel without the added sugar. It’s a simple dessert you can make any time of year, and they just happen to be vegan, gluten-free, and paleo. Get the recipe: Oven Baked Apple Slices
How to Cook Lentils
Lentils are an inexpensive source of protein that is fast and easy to cook. Learn step-by-step how to cook lentils, including tips and serving suggestions. Get the recipe: How to Cook Lentils
Spring Pasta Salad with No Mayo
Stay cool this spring with this pasta salad made without mayo. Light Italian dressing keeps it fresh and simple, making it perfect for backyard barbecues or a quick lunch. Get the recipe: Spring Pasta Salad with No Mayo
Honeycrisp Instant Pot Apple Butter
This Instant Pot apple butter is one of those things that makes the whole place smell like fall while it cooks. No peeling, minimal prep, and you end up with a batch that’s easy to keep, use, or pass along. Get the recipe: Honeycrisp Instant Pot Apple Butter
Za’atar Sheet Pan Vegetables and Eggs
This za’atar sheet pan vegetables and eggs situation is one of those dishes that’s hard to oversell. You get spiced veggies and eggs, creamy avocado, feta, and a little heat, all in one pan. Get the recipe: Za’atar Sheet Pan Vegetables and Eggs
Walnut “Meat” Sauce
This super easy walnut ‘meat’ sauce recipe is a great addition to any vegan or vegetarian meal rotation. Seasoned walnut crumbles replicate beef in a rich walnut bolognese to die for. Get the recipe: Walnut Sauce
Potato and Carrot Casserole with Ground Beef
This Finnish ground beef and potato casserole is one of those classic dishes that just sticks for a reason. It uses everyday ingredients but still ends up rich, comforting, and actually satisfying. Get the recipe: Potato and Carrot Casserole with Ground Beef
Mediterranean Hummus Platter
This Mediterranean hummus platter looks like it took hours but comes together in about 15 minutes. Creamy hummus topped with Greek salad works for parties, picnics, and potlucks, with pita chips or veggies for scooping or alongside grilled chicken or lamb meatballs. Get the recipe: Mediterranean Hummus Platter
Birthday Cake Protein Balls
These birthday cake protein balls have that cake batter vibe. No baking, naturally sweetened, dye-free, and something to keep around for snacks or lunchboxes when you want something a little sweet. Get the recipe: Birthday Cake Protein Balls
Sausage Lentil Soup
This sausage lentil soup is one of those weeknight dinners that also freezes really well. Italian sausage, lentils, carrots, celery, and spinach simmer in a savory tomato broth for a hearty one-pot meal made mostly from pantry staples. Get the recipe: Sausage Lentil Soup
Toasted Cashew Coconut Bars
This luscious no-bake energy bar recipe combines sweet dates and creamy cashews. Add a sprinkle of chewy coconut, and you have a major recipe winner. Get the recipe: Toasted Cashew Coconut Bars
Gluten-Free Pad Thai with Chicken
This gluten-free pad Thai is made with chicken, vegetables, and rice noodles and has a creamy peanut sauce that gives it incredible flavor. It’s simple to make and can be ready in under an hour. Get the recipe: Gluten-Free Pad Thai with Chicken